Cytokine Storm and Immunomodulation in COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 has become a major pandemic in recent times. The exact pathophysiology and understanding of cytokine storm and immunomodulation are evolving. Various cytokines have been implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Immunosuppressant immunomodulators like steroids, canakinumab, anakinra, tocilizumab, sarilumab, baricitinib, ruxolitinib, bevacizumab, and itolizumab have been tried. Immunostimulant immunomodulators like interferons (IFNs) and Mycobacterium w (Mw) have also been repurposed. Considering the role of multiple cytokines implicated in COVID-19, molecules working on the majority of the targets, may hold a promising future prospect.

How to cite this article: Rangappa P. Cytokine Storm and Immunomodulation in COVID-19. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(11):1288-1291.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cytokine release syndrome; Cytokine storm; Mycobacterium w; Steroids; Tocilizumab.